2 Timothy 4:1-18
Paul knows he's likely facing the end of his life as he writes this letter of 2 Timothy. So the first thing we see is Paul urging Timothy to preach the Word and carry on ministry. Paul then does a look back at his life and shares his experiences as a help to Timothy. He talks about fighting the good fight and finishing well and even recounts a number of situations where individuals didn't stick with him and his work for the Lord in that good fight. But then he ends with these encouraging words: "But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it" (vs. 17).
What did you learn from Paul in this passage about doing ministry? How has the Lord stood by you and strengthened you as you've worked for Him? Tami W.
It is best to trust in the Lord while you are young; that way you will have lots of experience to fall back on and give you peace. Trust in the Lord grows as the believer matures.
The Lord truly is good. He stood by Paul through everything. He has stood by me throughout my life, even the problems I brought on myself.
This passage translates so well to the way things are now. I know I get ridiculed for believing in Jesus, a lot of people these days think that nothing comes from God, it's all from you. I beg to differ, and keep on the way that I am. I wish that everyone could see the light, but we all know that not everyone is destined to go to heaven. Everybody has the opportunity, but not everyone will take it. All you can do is to keep talking to people, and letting them see through your actions. If you can save 1 person, that is more important than anything else you can ever accomplish.
This passage is inspirational. I want to be able to say something like paul did in my last days, that i did whatever it took to fill the space God made for me in this world, the work he prepared for me to do.
I trust in the Lord in my present state of spiritual leprosy. I hope that He keeps me isolated so no one else gets hurt. The Lord has been very kind to me but I am just coming to know Him and hope for more love and less destruction to others
Be ready-in season and out of season to proclaim the Gospel. I do well in uplifting people who are believers, but it is so hard to talk to those who don't believe. I pray for God to give me the words and insight to minister to unbelievers. I liked what David M. said about saving just one person.
You know... It kind of stuck with me that the good fight is keeping the faith. That back sliding and wat anytime departing from Gods love is not good... Well of course its nit but what I mean is that so often we take for granted Gods forgiveness. Yes we are forgiven but does that give us the right to sin. Of course not! I wonder Paul says he had trouble doing things thatched rather not be doing but what sins was Paul really taken by?? None because he kept his faith and knew that God was there with him thru everything!!! I only pray for us all that we can have the faith that Paul had and win our own races, and fight that good fight so that we may find grace in His sight. I pray that our faith never wavers or is lacking because with Christ all things ARE possible and praise the Lord for that!!! Amen! And God Bless you all!!
I pay close attention to verses 3-4: "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
I believe people have become so afraid of "offending" people that the church has deceived itself into believing that by accommodating behavior of unbelievers and believers will help them see the truth. This ideology is deception - deception is a lie.
A good example is the flogging Robert Jeffress received after saying Mormonism is a cult. The local paper editorials were full of letters from people and local churches criticizing Dr. jeffress' remark. Why? Dr. Jeffress spoke the Truth.
Another example is homosexuality. I hear all the time on Christian shows and sermons how homosexuality is wrong. Gay marriage is wrong. Gay marriage is destructive to the family. Gay people are going to hell. Yet, adultery, divorce, and fornication are never included with the statements about homosexuality. Why? Adultery, divorce, and fornication are just as wrong as homosexuality.
The truth is truth and a lie is a lie. It is black and white; there aren't gray areas. Paul was put to death for standing firmly on the Truth, yet how many today stand on the Truth? What's more important - God or your friends, family, job, etc.?
For Trisha - I think it is great that you share the Gospel. Stand firm on what you believe. Remember, you are known by your fruit. (Matthew 7:16). But also remember Matthew 10:14, "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town." We can share the Gospel, but we cannot (nor are we supposed to) make someone accept the Gospel.
For David M - You cannot save anyone; a person can only receive salvation through Christ. If God used you as an instrument for a person to learn about and come to Christ, fantastic!
Paul's ministry held that the Gospel is clear as day once the core message is put out there. The Gospel must be like something with harmony in it, if used, like a musical instrument. No one gets hurt since this harmony heals. Feelings like happiness or guilt do not seem harmonic but stormy a.k.a Martin Luther's "darkness of faith"
whati get from the passage is, doin ministry its a bitter/ sweet thing , the bitter, is the trials you go thru, the sweet is gettin souls for christ.but when you trust God he will come thru for you. As Paul has said in verse(7 and 8).and i know that God will strengthen us as we go thru ministry like his.just have faith!
By leading me to the daily reading and understanding of His Word as foremost in my walk as a Christian.
This verse is great, though people will fall away and take whatever meaning they way want from the word, we must stand and be ready at all times in season and out of season, preach the word, boast everything God does for us and his children and those that love him. PRAISE HIS NAME!